Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st T20I, Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

Pakistan have won eight out of their last nine T20Is.

Published - 12 Dec 2021, 18:16 IST | Updated - 12 Dec 2021, 18:16 IST

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Pakistan and West Indies are all set to cross swords in the first game of the three-match T20I series on Monday, December 13 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Going into the series, the Men in Green definitely have the upper hand as they have lost only three out of 18 T20Is against the Caribbean team.

Moreover, the 3-0 series win over Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka should give them a whole lot of confidence. In fact, barring the T20 World Cup semi-final, Pakistan have won eight of their last nine T20Is. Even in the semis, they were on the driver’s seat before Matthew Wade spoiled their party.

The Caribbean team, on the other hand, will be captained by Nicholas Pooran in the absence of Kieron Pollard. Moreover, three of their players, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase and Sheldon Cottrell have tested positive for COVID-19. Hence, the visitors need to pull a rabbit out of the hat to defeat Pakistan.

Playing Combinations for PAK vs WI

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been the fulcrum of the Pakistan batting unit. The middle consists of Fakhar Zaman and Asif Ali, who both played handy knocks for the Men in Green in the World Cup. Iftikhar Ahmed had a brilliant outing for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the National T20 Cup. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have been stupendous for Pakistan. Shadab Khan hasn’t disappointed either.

Predicted XI: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Ifthikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr/Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf

West Indies

The series can be a chance for a number of West Indies cricketers to show their class. The likes of Gudakesh Motie and Odean Smith performed well in the 2021 Caribbean Premier League and the focus will be on them. Shai Hope has also looked off colour and he will be looking to make amends. Akeal Hosein and Hayden Walsh Jr are more than effective spinners and a lot will depend on the duo.

Predicted XI: Shai Hope, Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran (c and wk), Rovman Powell, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Dominic Drakes/Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas